Food Manufacturing

ESOS an opportunity for pump users, says Watson-Marlow

Pump manufacturer Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group says that the requirement to meet the UK Government's ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme) presents manufacturing and process plants with a real chance to invest in future competitiveness. The company points out that plants viewing ESOS as a needless tick-box exercise are either ignoring or unaware of the numerous cost, performance and quality benefits that could be available.

15th September 2015

Vacuums for pick and place: suckers for efficiency

Robotic end-effectors are a hotbed for innovation in pick and place lines right now, and attached to each is a powerful vacuum system that delivers the suction required to move products in an efficient and controlled manner. Effectively, any type of end-tooling, from suction caps to grippers, clamshell or magnets can work with these vacuum systems, emphasises Paul Wilkinson, Business Development at Pacepacker Services, and their flexibility also enables manufacturers and contract packers to opt for multi-use end-effectors which can perform multiple tasks, resulting in fewer tool changeovers. Vacuum systems are becoming increasingly popular with the last couple of years witnessing a 30 per cent increase. Here, Paul explores the four main types of vacuum systems, how they work and the benefits of each.

5th September 2015

Gaining production efficiencies in food and beverage processing

By selecting, maintaining and monitoring critical components and inside rotating plant and machines such as gearboxes, electric motors, pumps and fans, food and beverage processing companies can improve their plant efficiencies, eliminate production downtime and increase the operating life and reliability of plant equipment, says Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler UK.

26th August 2015

Changes in the network security landscape

Until a few years ago network security focused on enterprise systems and relied on firewalls to prevent viruses from arriving electronically. Now there is increasing realisation that the production control systems need to be protected too, and that viruses can be uploaded by many means. Industries as diverse as manufacturing, processing, refining, power generation, and food and drink processing are all considering ways to improve the security of their plant and control systems. John Browett of CLPA (CC-Link Partners Association) considers the current position and looks at how to mitigate potential threats.

12th August 2015

Metal detectors: inspecting snacks for contaminants

Midnight cereal snacks, energy sports bars and on-the-go breakfast replacements are shaping the snacks market, with UK consumption expected to reach £3.8bn by 2016. Given this increasing demand for healthy convenience, snacks producers are turning to efficiency driven automation to deliver consumer satisfaction and maintain safe, high-quality snacks. Sarah Ketchin, managing director at Fortress Technology, explores the varied challenges of inspecting for contaminants and the options available.

26th July 2015

When is a machine not a machine? When it is partly completed

Derek Coulson* explains the differences between a machine and a partly completed machine with reference to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and when it is appropriate to issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and a Declaration of Incorporation (DoI).

9th July 2015

Fact or fabrication: Busting the myths surrounding robotics

Pacepacker's Business Development Manager Paul Wilkinson addresses the most common preconceptions about the use of robot systems in the food and drink industry and tackles some of the most persistent myths.

9th July 2015

Robots in food processing are on the march

There have not been that many robots used in food processing industries to date but we are on the cusp of a sea change, says Chris Evans, Marketing & Operations Group Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division. Five years from now they will be very much the norm.

12th June 2015

A-Z of electrical enclosures

Selecting the right enclosure for a particular situation requires some thought, as there are several issues to consider. Chris Lloyd of Spelsberg offers this aide memoire to some of the more useful points.